By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, has commenced a 12-month specialised training programme for 300 young Nigerians to prepare them for careers in the oil and gas industry.
The NCDMB–Renaissance Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Programme is designed to equip participants with industry-relevant skills in mechanical, electrical and instrumentation engineering, as well as other critical areas of energy operations.
The programme comprises three months of classroom-based learning and nine months of on-the-job training with partner service companies in the oil and gas sector. Of the 300 selected trainees, 240 are based in Lagos, while 60 are in Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the kick-off ceremony, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said the initiative was in line with the Board’s mandate to build local capacity, deepen Nigerian participation in the oil and gas industry and create opportunities that support economic growth.
Ogbe, who was represented by the Assistant Manager, Human Capacity Development, Mr. Tari Bufazi, said the trainees would gain practical industry exposure and obtain globally recognised certifications upon completion of the programme.
“This is more than the commencement of a training programme. It is the beginning of a journey for young Nigerians who will acquire world-class skills in mechanical, instrumentation and electrical disciplines,” he said.
He noted that specialised skills in automation, instrumentation and engineering operations remained critical to the safe and efficient exploitation of Nigeria’s petroleum resources, particularly as the industry prepares for new investment projects.
“Instrumentation, electrical and mechanical engineering are foundational to the survival, profitability and safety of the Nigerian oil and gas industry. This training is designed to close existing gaps and prepare participants for industry demands,” Ogbe said.
He urged the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity, describing the programme as a platform capable of transforming them into innovators, problem-solvers and future leaders in the energy sector.
The General Manager, Nigerian Content Development, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Engr. Olarenwaju Lanre Olawuyi, said the company remained committed to developing indigenous capabilities and supporting the growth of Nigeria’s energy sector through strategic investments in human capital.
Represented by Engr. Funso Alabi, Olawuyi said the programme would expose participants to both the technical and practical aspects of industry operations, enabling them to acquire competencies increasingly demanded by employers.
“At Renaissance, we believe local content development must create real capability, strengthen indigenous expertise and empower Nigerians to lead,” he said.
He added that the training would cover mechanical systems, electrical operations, instrumentation and control, software development, networking and cybersecurity.
According to him, the on-the-job training component would help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and workplace requirements, while also instilling professionalism, integrity, teamwork and a strong safety culture among the trainees.
The Chief Executive Officer of Radial Circle, the lead training provider, Mr. Ranti Omole, described the programme as a rare opportunity for young Nigerians seeking careers in the global energy industry.
Omole disclosed that the participants emerged from a highly competitive selection process involving thousands of applicants drawn from the NCDMB database.
He said the programme was designed to go beyond certification by producing industry-ready professionals capable of contributing immediately to operational environments.
“We are building competence and skills. By the time you complete this programme, you should be field-ready and able to fit seamlessly into industry operations,” he said.
He urged the trainees to embrace discipline, continuous learning and collaboration throughout the programme.
Stakeholders said the initiative supports the objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act and the Nigerian Content 10-Year Strategic Roadmap by strengthening the local talent pipeline required to sustain growth in Nigeria’s energy industry.
